Overview

Chemistry is the study of the elements and their compounds and brings together important aspects of Physics and Biology. Chemical principles underpin all biological systems and the physical environment in which we live, affecting everything from high performance materials to sustainable energy to the effectiveness of modern medicines.

Course structure

Before you start

Year 1

You will examine areas such as atomic structure, bonding, periodicity and quantitative chemistry, followed by introductions to organic and physical chemistry.

Year 2

In year two, organic chemistry is extended further into areas such as polymers, proteins and analytical methods. Physical chemistry topics such as kinetics, acids and bases, equilibrium, redox and energetics are also covered in greater detail. You will carry out a range of laboratory based experiments and activities to enhance your understanding further.

This will also develop your practical and evaluative skills which will be assessed within exam papers.

You are also encouraged to supplement your programme with the Extended Project.

Life after Henley

A key course for students planning to continue on to university and pursue a career in areas such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, environmental science, chemical engineering, materials science or biotechnology. It also provides a strong grounding for those wishing to pursue many other subject areas at degree level.

Alternatively, students may consider direct entry into employment or further training.

Life after Henley

Careers

There are many options for those seeking a career in Chemistry including toxicology, laboratory work, development chemistry, analysis, clinical pathology and more. Students may consider direct entry into employment or further training.

Higher education

A key course for students planning to continue on to university and pursue a career in areas such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, environmental science, chemical engineering, materials science or biotechnology. It also provides a strong grounding for those wishing to pursue many other subject areas at degree level.

Can't decide?

If you're having trouble deciding what course to do, try comparing some of the key information by adding your chosen courses to the comparison tool.

Student Spotlight

Name:

Madeleine

Course:

Chemistry A Level

I came to The Henley College from Theale Green School. I enjoyed studying chemistry at GCSE level and I wanted to expand my knowledge of the subject further. I have always found science subjects very interesting.

I also competed in this year's annual Chemistry Olympiad. The Royal Society of Chemistry offers an opportunity for post-16 Chemistry students to test their chemical knowledge and I was shocked to find out I had won a silver certificate. The Olympiad was definitely really challenging but worth it and it has really improved my problem solving skills.

In the future, I hope to pursue a career in music. However, I am confident that A Level Chemistry has provided me with many transferable skills such as time management and analytical processing that I will be able to use in later life.

The experiments were by far the best bit of the course for me, as I found them very exciting and interesting. They were useful as well, due to the calculations and summarising you have to carry out at the end of them.